Studies have shown that people with bipolar disorder, especially bipolar I and bipolar II, are more likely to have migraines. A new study has discovered that people with a family history of bipolar disorder also increases the risk of migraines.

Someone who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder has a greater risk of having migraines but if there is also a family history of the disorder then it greatly increases that risk. A patient who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has a family history of the illness is three times more likely to have migraines. A patient with major depressive disorder, also known as unipolar depression, and a family history of bipolar disorder is 4.3 times more likely to have migraines.

Source:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19246955?ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezS

There is some good news. Topamax, which is a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder, has been proven to be an effective treatment for migraines.

The list of illnesses associated with, possibly caused by, and possibly causing bipolar disorder is steadily increasing. Read my previous posts on this subject:

Illnesses associated with and/ or caused by bipolar disorder-Study finds that patients with bipolar disorder have an increased risk for many illnesses:

http://www.allaboutbipolar.com/2009/07/29/study-finds-bipolar-patients-have-increased-risk-for-medical-ailments/

Genetic research on bipolar disorder-Bipolar Disorder linked to Chromosome 6, which is associated with immunity:

http://www.allaboutbipolar.com/2009/07/08/all-about-bipolar-genetic-research-points-to-chromosone-6/

Medical ailments linked to bipolar disorder-Toxoplasmosis and various parasites:

http://www.allaboutbipolar.com/2009/06/29/all-about-bipolar-medical-ailments-linked-to-mental-illness/

It’s unfortunate that the stress of dealing with bipolar disorder is often compounded with one or more medical conditions. It’s difficult enough to deal with one or the other, but having physical and mental ailments can really take its toll on a person.

Related posts:

1. All About Bipolar: Medical ailments linked to mental illness

2. Study finds bipolar patients have increased risk for medical ailments
3. All About Bipolar: A test for bipolar disorder?
4. All About Bipolar: Alcohol and its effects on bipolar disorder
5. All About Bipolar: DSM getting an update